A home inspector's main focus is typically on single-family home inspections. However, we are occasionally hired to inspect a multi-family property. These can be lucrative inspections, so you want to be prepared and ready to inspect them when they arise.

What is a Multi Family Property

A multifamily property is a type of real estate that includes multiple separate housing units within one building or several buildings within one complex.

These properties are designed to accommodate more than one family living independently of each other. Each unit typically has its own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and entrance. They may or may not have their own HVAC or water heater.

The most common types of multi family properties you will be asked to inspect are duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. These are small multifamily properties with two, three, and four units, respectively. They are often owned or purchased by individual investors or small investment groups.

Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. are not much different from single family homes. They have essentially the same systems, type of construction, and types of issues.

Larger multi family properties include garden apartments. These are low-rise apartment buildings, usually two to three stories high with eight to twelve units per building.

You may be asked to inspect a single apartment building for individual investors or small investment groups. You may also be asked to inspect multiple buildings or an entire complex by an investment group or private equity firm.

Add the Multi Family Template to Your Account

It is next to impossible to create a single template that can be used for all types of multi family properties. Tap Inspect has a single Multi Family Inspection that can be modified to fit virtually any type or configuration you will encounter.

So, as a first step, you need to be sure you have the template in your account. Add a Template to Your Account and select our default Multi Family Inspection template.

The Tap Inspect Multi-Family Inspection template is almost identical to our Home Inspection template, with one major distinction. The Multi-Family Inspection template has several Unit sections. 

There are two visible Units and 4 more hidden. You can show and hide Units to Fit the property. If you need more Units it can be duplicated as many times as needed for a specific property.

Each Unit section has all the sub-sections that are typically needed to record your observations. You can show and hide subsections to fit the property.  If you need another Bathroom it can be duplicated as many times as needed for a specific property.

Reporting a Multi Family Inspection

As a best practice, you should have a single report for each building you inspect. When you inspect duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, one report will be sufficient. However, when inspecting a complex with multiple buildings, you should add a report for each building.

Keep in mind that buyers of multi-family properties are usually much more sophisticated real estate investors than your typical home inspection client. These types of buyers have a budget for repairs and maintenance. They are concerned with capital expenses. Big ticket items that can affect their cash flow.

Don't fill your report with so much fluff that important stuff is hard to find.